The UFC’s return to Canada at UFC Fight Night 54 was headlined by prodigy-turned-star Rory MacDonald, who was appearing at the top of the marquee for the first time in his career against Tarec Saffiedine.
It was a memorable one for MacDonald, as he stopped Saffiedine in the third round with a beautiful combination, likely staking a claim to a title fight in the relatively near future.
What We’ll Remember About This Fight
It marked the most convincing execution in the rise of MacDonald.
He’s long been seen as a solid talent, but at times as he began to approach the top of the mountain, he seemed content to ride his skill to listless decisions. Saturday night in Halifax, he did nothing of the sort, starching his opponent and then calling for a title shot at the first opportunity.
It was quite a night for the British Columbia native.
What We Learned About Rory MacDonald
He has developed finishing power on the feet.
Historically, his finishes have been grappling-based, be they submissions or TKOs that have come from his wrestling and positional understanding. No one ever doubted his ground-and-pound, but many wondered if he’d ever graduate beyond a heavy jab.
With the perfect finish of Saffiedine, he answered those questions thunderously.
What We Learned About Tarec Saffiedine
He needs to fight more often than once every 10 months, and when he does we may come to understand that the Strikeforce welterweight division was easier to lord over than that of the UFC.
Saffiedine is very talented, but it’s hard to remain sharp when injuries and inactivity leave you sidelined for long stretches. The 170-pound division is a shark tank, and if you’re not fighting regularly against the best in the world, you fall behind.
You can only rest on the laurels of two years ago for so long before people start asking questions.
What’s Next for MacDonald
Probably the winner of Robbie Lawler vs. Johny Hendricks in December. No one else is clearly ahead of him as a contender, and no one else can lay a claim to fight him, so he’s probably sitting pretty for a title shot in 2015.
What’s Next for Saffiedine
A bout with Dong Hyun Kim might be good or perhaps one with Demian Maia when he gets healthy.
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